Latest Posts
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Can the Sage Smile?
Seems that the China Confucius Foundation, whoever they are, has decided to create the definitive portrait of Confucius: The research and assessment work for the official portrait of Confucius, sponsored by the China Confucius Foundation, has been under… Continue reading
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Against Valentine’s Day
I think I have always been against Valentine’s Day: so obviously constructed to play upon our romantic insecurities to sell cards and flowers. And when I see stories like this one, from today’s China Daily, I am only… Continue reading
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The Tao in the Piazza
As mentioned below, I saw the Broadway musical, "The Light in the Piazza," two nights ago. I enjoyed it. There was more complexity to it than the average musical. And I found certain Taoist resonances in it, especially… Continue reading
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Snow!
I am a bit off my posting schedule because this weekend I took what I thought would be a one-night trip to New York City with my daughter to see a show. And we ran… Continue reading
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The Beginning of the Welfare State as We Know It
China Daily discourses on the relationship of wealth and happiness: Most, if not all, Chinese are financially better off thanks to 28 years of reform and opening up. But are we any happier? Various surveys and rankings attempt… Continue reading
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When Striving for Success Overwhelms Humanity
We all know China is an incredibly competitive society, with millions of people struggling for a good job, a good education, a good life. Young people are under incredible pressure to get into college and, once in college,… Continue reading
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How Quickly We Forget
Two items in the Haleigh Poutre case today: 1. Haleigh’s biological mother, Allison Avrett, has announced at a news conference that she wants a role in determining Haleigh’s care: "We’re filing a motion to intervene in the… Continue reading
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Utopias
Some fuzzy social science grabs the attention of China Daily: No poverty and child labor; a life expectancy of above 80; everyone entitled to medical insurance and unemployment benefits; and the lowest monthly salary surpassing US$1300… A dream… Continue reading
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Too Fast?
Court documents were released today in the Haleigh Poutre case that show the Department of Social Services, the state agency responsible for her care, waited eight days after she was first diagnosed with very, very severe injuries, before seeking… Continue reading
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Blasphemy?
Muslims all over the world are angered by the cartoons that insulted their prophet and religion. The drawings are condemned as blasphemous. I do not doubt the genuine feelings of rage behind the protests. From a Confucian or… Continue reading
The Useless Tree 